Overview
In 2026, data governance continues to be a top priority for organisations across the globe and a cornerstone of effective public administration. With AI adoption accelerating across government, agencies are increasingly recognising that meaningful, reliable AI outcomes are only possible when underpinned by trusted, well-governed data. Strong data governance enables this complexity to be navigated confidently — supporting digital transformation, privacy, and better service delivery. Led by nationally recognised expert Angkana Whiley, this course provides APS professionals with the essential tools and frameworks to embed trusted, ethical, and impactful data practices in their day-to-day work.
Navigating Complexity with Confidence
Public sector professionals are increasingly aware that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing data. Every agency must tailor its governance model to suit its structure, responsibilities, and level of maturity. This course helps participants cut through complexity by providing practical, APS-aligned strategies grounded in real experience. Drawing on Angkana’s 20+ years leading enterprise-wide reforms across the Commonwealth and ACT Governments, the sessions equip attendees to map roles, identify capability gaps, and begin building scalable governance frameworks suited to their organisation’s context.
Practical Learning for Real-World Impact
Designed for APS3 to EL2 staff working in policy, delivery, regulation, ICT or data-focused roles, this one-day course delivers an engaging, hands-on experience. Participants will gain confidence using APS-endorsed tools like the Data Capability Framework and Data Maturity Tool, explore the full data lifecycle, and align their work to strategic priorities such as the APS Data and Digital Strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to lift your data capability, this course—developed and facilitated by one of Australia’s leading voices in data governance—will set you up to drive tangible impact within your team and agency.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Understand the APS Data and Digital Strategy and its implications for their work
Understand the fundamentals of data governance and stewardship, and how they deliver value
Learn how to apply the APS Data Capability Framework to assess and grow their skills
Use the APS Data Maturity Tool to identify areas for improvement
Gain practical strategies for managing data across its lifecycle
In-person Training
Getting AI-Ready: Strengthening Data Governance in the Australian Public Sector
Session details
- Tailored to the APS context
- Interactive sessions with real-world public sector case studies
- Hands-on activities using APS-endorsed tools and frameworks
- Practical takeaways to apply immediately in your role
Getting AI-Ready: Strengthening Data Governance in the Australian Public Sector
05 March 2026
TBC, Canberra, ACT
Foundational to Intermediate - ideal for APS staff seeking to build or refresh practical data governance capability.
Key Sessions
APS Data and Digital Strategy
Purpose: Ground participants in the strategic context for data in the APS.
- Overview of the APS Data and Digital Strategy
- Key priorities and implications for APS roles
- How the strategy connects to agency-level work and roles
- Examples of strategic initiatives in the APS
- Group discussion: What parts of the strategy resonate with your role? What challenges or opportunities do you see?
Fundamentals of Data Governance and Stewardship
Purpose: Introduce core Data Governance concepts and their relevance to APS work.
- Definition and purpose of Data Governance
- Benefits of Data Governance and Stewardship
- Key Data Governance principles
- Roles and responsibilities in Data Governance in APS context
- Key Data Governance structures
- How data governance supports decision making
- Interactive activity: Map data governance roles in your team or agency. Identify gaps or overlaps in responsibilities.
APS Data Capability Framework
Purpose: Help participants assess and grow their data skills.
- Introduction to the APS Data Capability Framework and Domains
- How the framework supports career development and agency capability
- Self-assessment activity: Where do I sit across the domains?
- L&D Plan activity: Identify your learning journey
APS Data Maturity Tool
Purpose: Introduce the tool and explore its practical application
- Purpose and structure of the tool
- Exploring the maturity domains
- Group activity: Assessing a fictional team’s data maturity
- Discussion: How data maturity informs data governance and capability uplift
Managing Data Across Its Lifecycle
Purpose: Understand how to manage data effectively across its lifecycle using APS-aligned models.
- Understanding the data lifecycle in the APS
- Introducing the APS-aligned Data Operating Model
- Practical strategies for implementation
Applying What You've Learned
Purpose: Consolidate learning through reflection and commitment.
- What have we learnt? Summary from the day
- Group reflection
- Sharing insights and commitments
Meet Your Facilitator
Angkana Whiley
Founder, The Whiley Group | Policy Committee Member, Australian Evaluation Society | Board Member, Women in ICT (WIC)
Angkana Whiley is a leading voice in public sector data governance, strategy, and transformation. With over 20 years of experience across the Commonwealth, ACT, and Queensland Governments, she has driven enterprise-wide data reform, designed modern operating models, and delivered award-winning analytics solutions that enhance policy, service delivery, and community outcomes.
She has served as a senior executive in the ACT Government and is a strategic advisor to agencies including the Office of the National Data Commissioner, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and CSIRO. Angkana was instrumental in shaping the ACT’s data governance and management framework and led its implementation across government. Her expertise spans data strategy, capability uplift, and AI governance, with a focus on embedding trusted, ethical, and impactful data practices.
Widely recognised for her thought leadership across the policy-to-impact value stream, Angkana integrates data, evaluation, and innovation to help organisations translate strategic intent into measurable public value. She delivers masterclasses and training for public and not-for-profit sector professionals on data maturity, governance, and evidence-based decision-making. She is passionate about empowering teams to unlock the value of data and is committed to fostering inclusive, purpose-led cultures across the public sector.
Register Today
Join this training for professionals working within the Public Sector
Extra Early Bird
Ends 12 Dec
$A 995
per person + tax $400 savingEarly Bird
Ends 16 Jan
$A 1195
per person + tax $200 savingRegular
Ends 4 Mar
$A 1395
per person + taxFor group or payment enquiries or custom training solutions, please contact [email protected]
Customised in-house options available for teams
Interested in any of our online trainings?
You can also choose to have them delivered in house. We will work closely with our inspiring session facilitators to tailor the content around the key development areas your team are prioritising, shape the learning outcomes around your core departmental challenges and make the most of your L&D and upskilling budget.
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